*Note*: The music up top is just a suggestion. Feel free to play any song of your choice.*

When you see "=======", start the music.

The mech decided to surprise you with yet another of his interesting outings.

At first you weren't sure if you wanted to go, but after some persuasion from his part, you accepted.

Apparently he already had everything planned. He even took some time off from work.

​​​​​​And so you found yourself waiting for him as he entered coordinates into the groundbridge. As soon as it whirled to life, your mech joined you. He offered you his hand, which you happily took, and lead you through the vortex…

Knockout, at 4 p.m., had told you to get ready to go out. It was a strange that he wanted to go at such a strange time (he usually went out early mornings so he could have a whole day to shop), but you decided to humour him. The mech had activated his holoform, fixed his hair, packed a backpack with some things, fixed his hair again, then told you to sneak with him to the bridge.

The sun was already hanging above the tops of the far off mountains. It caused everything its light touched to gain a golden yellow hued coat over the original colours. Green trees aligned the very large area. Blankets created small occupied spots on the grass. Farther downhill, in the centre of it all, there was a massive stage.

“Yes! We skipped security. I was concerned that we would have to wait in the line.” Knockout took the backpack he brought and slung it over his shoulder.

“Uh, you need help with that K.O?” You point to the pack.

“No no, I brought you here- I take care of all the little things. You just relax and enjoy yourself.”

You raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Knockout never acted this nice (unless he was trying to get on your good side for some reason or because he felt guilty). “Uh-huh. And how exactly am I supposed to enjoy myself when you're acting so weird?”

Knockout shrugged and started towards an open patch of grass under a tree. “I'm not acting weird.”

You walk on after him, arms folded. “Oh yes you are. Spill; where are we?”

Knockout stopped once he felt like he had found the perfect place to set everything up. “We are at a music festival. It may not be Coachella or Woodstock, but I heard that this one is pretty good with some local and the occasional international artists. Besides, it may be better without so many people.” He pulls out a red, black and white checkered blanket and places it on the ground. “There's more space to sit and to dance. Not to mention less sweaty bodies bumping into you all the time.”

The man gestured for you to take a seat while he got the rest of the things out. Bottles of water, another warm blanket, a lantern and some glow sticks. “What else is in there? A restaurant?” You open a bottle and sip on its contents (which was actually water and not alcohol).

“Hmmm, no. The edge of the building stuck out of the pack,” he joked. “We'll just have to settle for candy bars and trail mix.” He brought forth the giant tub containing the foods.

“You thought of everything…”

“Of course I did. I'm amazing.”

You snort with laughter at how bluntly the redhead tooted his own horn. “Alright then amazing person, when's the show starting?”

“As soon as the sun sets...”

---------------------------

The sun was swallowed by the mountains, giving way to the darkness of night. As promised, the stage lit up and, when intros were over, the first music was played.

===============

The first thing Knockout did was break some glow sticks. Red, yellow and purple ones for him and which ever assortment you wanted which he then bent to make bracelets and necklaces with. “Here you go Doll. This’ll spice up your outfit.” He put the two bracelets around your arm, his hand lingering around your wrist just a little longer.

Applause and whoot's rose from all the people as the bass made the ground tremor. Some people immediately jumped up and danced whilst others stayed seated and enjoyed the music.

You did the latter at first. It was awesome to see the lights flash and hear the music so loud and clear that it was as if you were standing right next to a speaker. After three songs, however, Knockout got bored of just sitting. The music called on him to shake what his carrier gave him, and he was about to do so.

“C'mon Doll! Dance with me!” Knockout took you by the hand and helped you to your feet. The digi-tunes and bass beats sent shivers down your spine, or perhaps it was Knockout's body which was tripping the light so fantastically close to yours. Whatever the reason, you couldn't exactly start to shake it until the man bumped you to coax you into it.

You reluctantly started swaying your hips. Your eyes moved from one spectator to the next to see if anyone was looking at you funny. They were not. In fact, as soon as you gained more confidence and started throwing in a few moves, there were people cheering you on. Knockout joined in and soon everyone was jumping up and down to the music and pumping their fists into the air.

Somewhere during it all you and Knockout started singing the lyrics to some songs you knew. The glow-in-the-dark jewelry you both wore shifted around, creating luminous shapes and swirls.

You continued on hopping with the crowds.

When half an hour had passed, the doctor pulled you back to your blanket. He sat you back down and turned on the lantern. He searched the bag and handed you the water bottle. “You have to stay hydrated.”

You took three big gulps. “Thanks Knockout.”

“Are you hungry?” He offered you a chocolate bar.

You took it and opened the wrapper. Taking a big bite, you look Knockout in the eyes. They were staring right back at you. Hints of a blush made its way to your cheeks. “Alright, why are you acting this way?”

“What way?” He opens a granola bar for himself.

“So… Caring... Protective even.”

He scoffed.“I can actually care if I want to, you know. Especially when it's showing appreciation   to someone I cherish, like you.” He adjusted his bracelets, his eyes unable to fully stay on you anymore. “I know I don't let it always seem that way, and I'm sorry about that.” The redhead smiled. “I just wanted you to enjoy something with me.”

You returned the smile and rested your head on his shoulder. “And I am, Knockout. Thank you.”